Islanders’ Leadership Group Set, Matthew Schaefer Becomes An “A”

Matthew Schaefer was named an Islanders alternate captain at 19 as Pete DeBoer and Bo Horvat detailed the team’s expanded leadership group.

PHOTO: Kathryn Howell/New York Islanders

GRAVENHURST, ON — The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday that they’ll have four alternate captains alongside captain Bo Horvat.

Matthew Schaefer, at just 19, will wear an “A” on home ice alongside Kyle Palmieri. On the road, Ryan Pulock and Brayden Schenn will hold those roles.

The 2025 first-round pick becomes the youngest alternate captain in franchise history.

But the team’s leadership group goes beyond those five names.